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| Waterfowl in Narta Lagoon |
Global climate change and the degradation of protected areas in Albania have led to a recent decline in the number of waterfowl, especially in the country's wetlands. This is evident from recent bird censuses conducted by the Administration of Protected Areas and environmental organizations. Meanwhile, the Albanian government plans to introduce new amendments to the Protected Areas Law in parliament in February, raising concerns among environmental activists about the potential consequences for natural resources.
Albania has once again participated in the international waterfowl census this year, coordinated by the National Agency of Protected Areas and environmental organizations.
The census primarily focused on the country's wetlands, according to Erald Xeka of the Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS).
"We counted in almost 30 wetlands across Albania, covering the entire coastal area along the migratory bird route, as well as lakes such as Prespa and Ohrid in the continental interior. Beyond the scientific data we gather on waterfowl populations in Albania, what is crucial in conducting the census is raising people's awareness of preserving these habitats," he says.
Xeka further explains that global warming due to climate change is causing a decrease in the number of waterfowl this season.
"In recent years, winters have been very mild, meaning fewer waterfowl have migrated from the northern regions of Europe, where it is colder, towards our wetlands. Each year we experience milder winters that do not force waterfowl to gather in large flocks. I remember the years 2010-2012, which were spectacular; very cold with significant waterfowl arrivals, something we haven't observed in recent years."
Professor of Natural Sciences Spase Shumka, who has been monitoring the Ohrid and Prespa lakes for decades, notes a decreasing trend in the number of wintering waterfowl.
"We have been monitoring waterfowl for about 27 years in the Ohrid and Prespa lakes, simultaneously in all three countries—Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. We can say that we have had fluctuations in the number of waterfowl, but the trend is toward a reduction in wintering waterfowl. We have had cases where we counted around 25,000-30,000 individuals in Prespa, last year we reached 10,000 individuals, and this year the number is even smaller," he says.
Both Xeka and Shumka discuss the effects of the decreasing number of waterfowl in Albania, attributing it to the degradation of wetlands and natural habitats, particularly from construction activities.
Xeka mentions, "We have habitats that have been urbanized. I can mention Kunë, which was once a very large lagoon; now, from year to year, it is shrinking due to tourism development pressures. Similarly, there are other areas like the airport in Nartë, a construction within a protected area that will also impact the future."
Shumka emphasizes that climate change practically requires sustainability, but instead, human activities exacerbate climate change.
"Specifically, the numerous constructions along the lake shores, large projects that threaten habitats through sedimentation and pollution, tourism development, and other factors related to overfishing—humans are influencing this. But hunting is also a factor. It is easily noticeable in recent years that birds have become more friendly towards humans due to the lack of hunting pressure."
The construction of Vlorë Airport in the Nartë area occupies an area of about 300 hectares and has affected habitats, according to ornithologists. Similarly, in the Seman area, photovoltaic parks are endangering bird populations.
Last year, the wildfires caused catastrophic damage to hundreds of hectares of pine forests in the Pishë Poros area of Fier, resulting in devastating consequences for bird fauna and the natural protectorate.
Despite environmental experts' appeal for the protection of natural areas and bird habitats, parliament is expected to review the Protected Areas Law, making changes that open the door to the management of some of these areas by municipalities and facilitating development projects.
The government is expected to send the draft law to parliament in February, while environmental organizations continue to strongly oppose these changes.